Remember, evolution is not a grading system. It's simply the means by which an organism comes to fill a certain niche within the environment. We may be more rational in this one area, but that doesn't mean much beyond human society.

No! One reason is that there are a myriad of social contributions that may lead to one's atheism. The ability to see through the farce of theism is like the ability to grasp any new philosophy--some arrive earlier than others while some will never understand. How do you explain fervent believers who deconvert to atheism after decades of "waiting for salvation?" In your model, they are switching from less evolved to more evolved, but natural selection has not triggered the changed since it took place within one lifespan.

I sometimes wonder if there are those now among us already who have 'new' traits selected to endure in future evolutions of humanity. I would never seek to identity such individuals, much less claim membership to that group. That way leads to the thinking of supremacists and eugenicists.

That's a peculiar way to frame your question, and suggests that you don't understand evolution. The misspelling in your one-line post doesn't help. Are atheists better adapted to their surroundings than others? Considering that atheism can be a major drawback if exposed in some places, one could argue that atheists are LESS evolved that the delusional majority. Or, since a rationalist is more likely to be able to adapt to a new environment, you could argue the opposite. Would you care to elaborate on your question?

I would venture to say that in terms of their ability to reason and think, yes, atheists are more evolved. You could easily say that a person of deep faith's ability to reason in regards to matters such as this are primitive.

Well not necessarily more evolved. However more intelligent people are able to come to the conclusion that there is no "god". So understanding that there isn't a good and coming to an atheist conclusion on life, does point to a higher IQ and a more empathetic person.

Kate, I"m amazed that your Pentecostal grandparents read the bible even ONCE & believe it ! I guess it's necessary to also THINK when reading it. Any decent sized library has books on Greek & Roman history. Lay a biography of Constantine on top of their bible & see what happens. :-) Lots of luck.